Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has raised alarm over recent incidents of political violence in the state, cautioning that any attempt to disrupt the pre-election atmosphere will be met with firm resistance.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, Oyebanji linked the unrest to desperate moves by certain political figures seeking to secure the governorship ahead of the 2026 election.
“On our part, we want to assure our citizens that we are more than resolved to protect our state and to ensure no breakdown of law and order,” he said.
The governor condemned coordinated media attacks targeting his administration, describing them as part of a “devilish plan” now manifesting in violent tactics.
“You all can attest to the fact that Ekiti has been peaceful in the two and a half years we have been on the saddle. The state has not only been adjudged by the security community as the most peaceful, with a low crime rate, but Ekiti has won awards and accolades in this respect,” he added.
Oyebanji appealed to political leaders to take responsibility for their supporters, noting that the peace and stability of Ekiti outweigh individual ambitions.
He assured residents that peaceful political activities would be allowed but warned that security agencies would respond decisively to any acts of thuggery.
The governor also addressed misinformation surrounding ongoing road rehabilitation projects, urging citizens not to fall prey to “fifth columnists” attempting to stir discontent against the Federal Government.
Oyebanji recently announced his bid for a second term, citing strong support from the public. However, tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified, with reports of internal social media campaigns targeting his leadership.
APC governorship aspirant Kayode Ojo has accused the governor of seeking to intimidate local party leaders, an allegation that Oyebanji has yet to publicly respond to.
